Ofcom considers iPod FM transmitter rule change

Iceland have them. Switzerland has them. Germany will have them, but UK iPod users may have to wait until next year to use FM transmitters.

by
Macworld staff
, | 09 May 06

UK rules regarding FM transmitters such as the Griffin Technology iTrip may not be changed until next year, a report claims.

It appears the process of changing UK radio regulations to allow the use, possession and sale of short range low-power devices like iPod FM transmitters will take until the end of the year.

This is despite an earlier approval at an EU level of new laws that can make such devices legal and that only need to be ratified by member states. So far Switzerland and Iceland have ratified the new rules, and Germany is expected to ratify the new laws within weeks.

Not so the UK, where Ofcom plans to introduce proposals that will make FM transmitters useful within the Wireless Telegraphy Licence Exemptions Regulations which will be looked at this year.

Ofcom had planned a public consultation period after Easter, but this has not yet taken place. Ofcom now says it will happen this year, and if approved such devices could become legitimate by the end of this year or the beginning of next.